All About Pocket Knives

This other thread here about the Shapleigh B376 (Schrade 2203) reminded me of a knife question I haven't figured out and I'm wondering if anyone here has the answer. From 1921 thru 1939 Simmons was selling a 3-1/2" washington jack. It had a spear blade, pen secondary, stag handle and a federal shield. They didn't even stray too far when naming it - they just added a 'K' in front of the 2203 as seen in the catalog image here: It walks like a duck and quacks like a duck - but I don't think it's a duck. The cap is smaller, the shield is much bigger and it's only got 3 pins. Then from 1940-1942 it grew to 3-7/8". I've only seen pictures of one of these knives from an old auction: I'm fairly confident this isn't a Schrade which brings up two questions. Who made it? And why would Simmons, who had a significant relationship with Schrade, order a knock off from a competitor and give it a Schade-ish name?

A little KeenKutter History and some older catalogs.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/ ... Kutter.htm

LRV wrote:A little KeenKutter History and some older catalogs.

So it's a Winchester. That was quick - thanks!

I'd wait for some of the Walden Winchester folks to chime in but the time frame you mentioned puts it in the Winchester ballpark.
I would not be surprised if Walden made it and Winchester continued it.

As with any Schrade you can rarely be certain anything with what/whom and when
Should be an interesting search.

Larry

I learned a little more about the Keen Kutter 2203 but I still don't understand why/how it came to be that they (Simmons) gave it the same pattern name as the knife it seems to be designed after. Anyway, I was able to find an example (actually found two) and if anyone down the road chases this mystery at least they'll find some pics here to see what it looks like. For posterity, the Keen Kutter K2203: Side by side for size comparison: